Program Manager, Community Engagement

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
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Job Title: * Program Manager, Community Engagement
Department: State Operations and Programs
Reports to: Program Supervisor
# of direct reports: none
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Position Overview: *The Program Manager, Community Engagement is the staff member who excites our volunteers and community members. They cultivate relationships, connect people to our mission, and share the value and purpose of our work in their state. This person has the unique and focused responsibility of working directly with volunteers to excite them and engage them differently in the big-picture of our mission. They will host activities, lead trainings, recruit volunteers for fundraising campaigns, and rally supporters for state events, while simultaneously cultivating trusting partnerships with schools, securing donors, and teaching parents about our mission. This role is a jack of all trades, someone who is motivated to host self-advocacy trainings for our participants with disabilities in the morning, lead a luncheon about our mission with their regional Rotary Club at lunch, and facilitate an online conference call for parents of program participants in the evening. This person is energetic, approachable with youth volunteers and school board members alike, enthusiastic to meet new people, and passionate about sharing our mission.

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Job Requirements – Qualified applicants must have: *

• Bachelor’s degree and/or minimum 3 years of experience in web management, design and Excitement and enthusiasm working with people with IDD
• Energy to train, retain, and empower volunteers
• Positive attitude and adaptability to create relationships, build trust, and foster commitment to our mission
• Time management and multi-tasking skills to work in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable and confident using social media and online platforms to connect with and educate volunteers
• Ability to empower youth leaders and get results that advance our mission
• Comfort and expertise with online training platforms
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent facilitation skills and expert communication skills
• Energy to work in a team and self-motivation to work independently
• Flexibility and availability to support volunteers, which may include connecting in the evenings and on the weekends
• Accessibility to an automobile with applicable insurance and ability to travel to program sites, when necessary

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Job Duties include - but are not limited to: *
Programs

• Develop and facilitate leadership trainings; focus on volunteer engagement.
• Ensure mission advancement and participation in all Best Buddies initiatives.
• Think critically about engagement opportunities for all participants, including those with IDD, parents, and teachers. Develop and cultivate engaging training opportunities for them.
• Evaluate and track chapter engagement in Best Buddies trainings.
• Build enthusiasm and inspire volunteer engagement for state events and programmatic initiatives.
• Create opportunities for engagement beyond program participation, including self-advocacy training, fundraising opportunities, event sponsorship, and mission expansion.

Marketing

• Work in partnership with the local, state, and national teams to support social media and other marketing efforts.
• Represent Best Buddies programs through public speaking, community involvement, and other initiatives.
• Support stewardship efforts by providing regular information on our volunteers, matches, and programmatic impact.
• Engage volunteers in national campaigns that support and promote our mission.

Development

• Engage volunteers in mission-driven fundraising efforts to expand involvement opportunities.
• Provide direct and in-person support to fundraising events, as requested.
• Provide data and assessment to support fundraising proposals and reporting.

Operations

• Adhere to Best Buddies policies, as outlined in all staff handbooks, including procedures for expenses, reimbursements, social media representation, office attire, and use of email accounts.
• Treat office resources, such as assigned computer and office items, responsibly and professionally.
• Maintain data integrity and tracking in all systems.

Best Buddies® is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EOE and M/F/V/PWD/PV employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s core values and help the organization continue to achieve its mission. Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a more inclusive world.
Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits programs that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.
Best Buddies requires weekly COVID-19 testing for all staff.

Job Type: Full-time